Provinces of Anaya

Made up of nineteen stable provinces and a shifting number of small territories, the region of Anaya is unique in that it is governed not by humanoids, but by dragons. For more than a thousand years the people of Anaya have lived in factions, each under the banner of a different wyrm. The dragons provide humanoids with protection from other dragons and outside threats in exchange for tribute. Over time, the dragons came to rely on their citizens to counter each other’s military might. Those who rule the provinces are ancient- some even old enough to remember a time before this arrangement came to pass- and have forged alliances amongst themselves such that the provinces are in little danger of dissolution, at least until their deaths. Young dragons are chased from their parent’s territory and left to stake out one of their own. Constant infighting and conflict with other creatures means that few survive to adulthood.

Demography and Population

Most Anayans are human, but intiss, oreads, and goblins form sizeable minorities. The vast majority of these live in the urban provincial capitals, while the rest work the fields in their hinterlands.

Military

Each prince maintains a standing army composed of devoted followers. Military service is not compulsory in any province, except during desperate times; over the centuries the dragons have found the carrot to be a more effective motivator than the stick.

Religion

While the Anayan system of governance has a symbiotic relationship with the dragon cult, many provinces allow the practice of other religions within their borders, although they may still require nominal participation in state ritual. Anaya is the birthplace of the Order of the Green Sun and most of the Order's adherents live in the provinces or in Midir.

Trade & Transport

While each province has its own distinct culture, the region as a whole is known for its brightly dyed fabrics, finely worked gold, and infestation of pirates.

Education

The provinces mandate varying levels of education for all children of their citizens. Higher education is usually funded on the basis of individual promise or in exchange for military service. Anaya has its fair share of universities, but they are not centers of innovation to the same degree as those in Sarpor and Xantos.

Infrastructure

In the western part of the region, the River of Tongues facilitates transportation and trade between cities. In the past century, the construction of advanced waste disposal systems in riverside cities has helped to eliminate the water pollution which previously threatened their population, although overfishing is still a problem and exploitation of the river is tightly regulated. A few private companies have begun construction of aether monorails like those in Sarpor, making inroads into Midir.

Type

Geopolitical, Theocracy

Demonym

Anayan

Government System

Monarchy, Theocratic

Economic System

Market economy

Official State Religion

Dragon Cult

Location

Anaya